Air transport EU paves the way for more liquids in airplane hand luggage
In the EU, the way has been cleared for an end to the limit on liquids when traveling by air. The European Union has approved scanners that reliably detect liquid explosives and theoretically allow larger bottles in hand luggage.
01.08.2025, 05:20
01.08.2025, 05:42
SDA
Everything else is now up to the airports, a spokeswoman for the EU Commission told the German news agency DPA.
At least in Germany, however, the end of the 100-milliliter container rule is likely to be some time in coming, although the corresponding scanners have long been in place. The reason for this is that old devices are still in use and travelers cannot be informed in advance which scanner they will pass through security at. In addition, some new devices do not have the right software.
This means that for the time being, passengers will still only be allowed to take liquids with them in containers with a volume of up to 100 milliliters - and these must be packed in a resealable transparent plastic bag with a maximum capacity of up to one liter. This regulation also applies at Geneva and Zurich airports.
New scanners are computer tomographs
According to the EU Commission, around 700 devices with the now approved technology are already being used or installed at airports in 21 countries of the European Union. The devices from the British manufacturer Smiths Detection scan hand luggage using computer tomography (CT), a technique used in medicine.
Instead of a few blurred overhead images, they deliver hundreds of images of the baggage without any loss of speed, enabling three-dimensional views and layer-by-layer screening of the baggage contents on the control screen. Solid and liquid explosives can also be detected by the devices.
The restrictions on liquids in air traffic were introduced in 2006 after it became known that terrorists on board an aircraft could manufacture explosives from several liquids.
Previous doubts about the technology
CT scanners have been in use for years. Immediately after their introduction, larger liquid containers were sometimes accepted at the relevant lanes. However, there was no official recommendation. Last summer, however, doubts arose about the reliability of the baggage scanners and the EU ordered further checks.
